The Effect of Bucillamine in the Initial Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Treatment of Patients with Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis

Song, Chang Ho; Lee, Ji Soo; Lee, Chang Hee; Lee, Choong Won; Suh, Chang Hee; Song, Jung Sik; Lee, Soo Kon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical effect of bucillamine in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we performed an open clinical trial for 3 months.
METHODS
10 out of 12 patients completed bucillamine trial(200mg/day) for their initial treatment against arthritis, and 9 out of 11 patients with refractory RA completed the bucillamine trial. Disease activity was assessed by the duration of morning stiffness(MS), visual analogue pain scale(VAPS), functional capacity(FC), tender joint counts(TJC), swollen joint counts(SJC), ESR, and CRP every month. Adverse effects were monitored monthly.
RESULTS
At the end of trial, all parameters were decreased in the initial treatment group except of CRP. No parameters were decreased in the refractory group. Gastrointestinal disturbance was the most commmon adverse effect. Skin rash, stomatitis, proteiuria and elevated hepatic enzyme were minor adverse effects.
CONCLUSION
Bucillamine was effective in the initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but not effective in the patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Bucillamine is relatively safe in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in both groups.